Higher cough/cold OTC sales along with Hydralyte line and sore throat treatments bright spots in October-December offset by COVID-19 and continuing supply chain constraints.

Demand for OTC pain relievers and cough/cold products jumped prior to October-December and remained high during quarter due to consumer concern not only about flu but also RSV and additional COVID-19 mutation. US and Canadian firms marketing OTC drugs and supplements also will be offering additional signals on planned spinoffs of consumer health businesses.

Around half its reported 4.7% growth to $289.3 million in latest came from price increases. Impact on supply chain continues from problems caused by novel coronavirus pandemic.

Rather than reflecting what’s coming in the way of spinoffs, leadership, product approvals or deal closings, firms’ July-September results will reveal influences from inflation and supply chain problems. Like manufacturers across industries, US consumer health product firms are dealing with US currency strengthening and potentially driving down revenues through losses in foreign exchange.